Tween Girl Hygiene Helpers

Girl Hygiene Helpers

Do you have a tween girl in your house? Not only are they getting ready for middle school, you might also like some help with their hygiene. After writing the popular tween boy hygiene post, several people asked for a girl post.

I’m far from an expert, so I asked my sister to chime in on her experiences with tween girls. Yep, I have boys and she has girls. She shared with me everything she’s learned about young women and hygiene: bras, unwanted hair, shampoo, and even… tween period tips.

For your convenience, I added an entire Tween Girl Hygiene shopping list at the bottom.

My fond memories of tweenhood:

I have weirdly fond memories of this stage from my own life. Back in my day I received an enormous pink “Period Starter Box” for the day my menstrual cycle would begin…. one day. It sat in the top of my closet forever. I still remember looking at all the multiple sizes and diagrams, feeling equally grossed out and curious.

When I finally got my period for the first time, we went out to celebrate this milestone with ice-cream. My entire family went. Not just my mom, my entire family sat in a booth celebrating my launch into womanhood. I did not feel like a woman, I had terrible cramps, but I still remember the ice cream.

I think some of the fond memories come from the funny stories that happened in that time of my life that have been told over and over again.

For example, when I went bra shopping for the first time. I really didn’t have anything that warranted needing a bra, but everyone else had them in 6th grade. If memory serves me right, the new bra was purchased on New Years Eve… that night, my dad proudly announced to everyone that “Kristen got her first bra today.” No joke. Insert proud dad and mortified tween.

Have times changed that much? Not really, but we have more access to great products and helpful tips on the Internet. I’m thankful my sister is here to share her Girl Hygiene expertise. I hope these ideas give you some help and insight into products that will benefit your daughter.

Bra Shopping for Tween Girls

We liked Justice for their first bras — adjustable and many styles (back clip, front clip, pull over the head). We started with tanks that had built-in bras at first in order to get the “feel” of a bra.

While it might be a right of passage (see my story above) to go to the store, they are also sold on-line. Perfect for your daughter who would rather try them out at home and return the unwanted ones to the store.

Excess Hair

The “Tinkle” is the best starter tool for eyebrows. Teaching your daughter to not overpluck their eyebrows is important too. Follow this diagram and get good tweezers if you go that route. We’ve also used this handy tool to trim the hair between the eyebrows.

We’ve also tried professional waxing which helped give a guideline for good shape. Tip: tell them you want a “natural” look. Same with tweezing, if you overdo it…. they may not grow back!

I’ve been asked a lot about the upper lip, but we haven’t needed to do anything yet. I’ve read all sorts of information and it seems that this little one blade razor, threading, bleaching (diluted), and waxing seem to be the most popular for girls.

Brushing Girl Hair

Girl hair, am I right? Hair is so personal. You might know what works best for your hair, but your daughter’s hair is completely different. We found that Hair picks for curly hair, Wet Brushhelps with any type of tangled hair, as well as leave-in conditioner or detangle spray. My girls love flat irons andcurling wands. We also use TONS of bobby pins and hair bands of all sizes. Best bet…teach the art of the messy bun.

Menstrual Cycle/ Her Period / Monthly “Friend” / Time of the Month

This whole subject can be stress inducing for girls and moms. The timeline is so broad for when they can get their periods. My girls carry an “emergency kit” with them to school…but they also know to just call the nurse or me if they get their period.

Deodorant or Antiperspirant?

Ooh-eey! It’s a little overwhelming when you first catch a whiff of your not-so-fresh smelling tween. Not only does your girl need to wash her underarms, but she also needs to use and antiperspirant (helps minimize sweating and adds scent) or deodorant (control bacteria and adds scent). My girls just like what smells good to them. We literally stand in the aisles and sniff. Good times.

Shampoo for Tween Girls

The art of changing shampoos to prevent shampoo build up is our newest lesson. Our hairdresser told us to use clarifying shampooonce a week to help with build up and in the summer to get pool chlorine out. Too much product can make the hair look super greasy, which is definitely not needed during puberty!

Face Washing

Even though there are tons of products on the market specifically market to tween and teen girls, my pediatrician just recommended this type of mild soapand a washcloth or this scrubber. We’re still not sure how to get them to wash the recommended 2-3 times a day though!

Nails

Fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria that easily transfers to eyes, nose, and mouth. From what I’ve seen, my girls are interested in keeping their fingernails clean and tidy. Far more interested then my nephews! You’ve got to read the story click here about how much ants like my nephew’s fingernails.

Shaving Legs

We started by practicing by sitting on the edge of the bathtub. My daughter wanted to start with a real razor first, so we used the one (below) that is completely surrounded by soap. I had read that it’s more comfortable and less likely to nick. We haven’t had a cut yet! We tried a hair removal cream, but that was a complete fail.

Sister note: My sister and I were both given electric razors when we were 12. It was a right of passage to get to shave our legs. For my nieces, my sister decided to just let her daughters shave when they were ready.

Best First Razor for Tween Girls: This razor has the soap built right in and it surrounds the entire blade. It’s less likely to nick and you don’t have to fumble with shaving cream.

Best Electric Razor: Thiselectric razoris a favorite because it’s ultra feminine and simple to use.

Smelly Feet

This whole stinky feet thing is really a thing. Our best way to combat stinky feet…. Wait for it… wait for it….. changing your socks!! 😯 << eye roll! We’ve also found that wearing sock more often than not helps, no-show socks are fun for flats and thin cotton are great for regular wear. When the shoe smell become too much to manage, we bought these to put in their shoes.

This is when you can lovingly say, “Honey, it’s not me, it really is YOU!”